Nation's Largest Suicide Prevention Organization Awards Over $4 Million In Research Grants

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Research Grants Selected for Funding

NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is proud to announce the winners of the annual research grant application process. Of the 193 applications received in November 2015, 17 grantees have been selected to receive from $30,000 to $1.5 million to fund research studies related to suicide prevention.

"By funding innovative, methodically sound, potentially impactful research and building a community of researchers who care about suicide prevention, we know we can make inroads in reducing the suicide rate. Because suicide can be caused by many factors, it's vital to approach the issue from many different angles in our research," said Jill Harkavy-Friedman, AFSP vice president of research. "Having been an AFSP research grantee myself, and a former Scientific Advisor, I know the rigors our applicants go through. I am encouraged to see researchers who are involved with AFSP today remain passionate about suicide prevention - even long after their studies are complete."

Each application is reviewed multiple times by the top suicide prevention researchers in the world. The research grants are funded mainly through individual donors who attend the AFSP walks and other public education events. Many of the AFSP grantees then go on to receive further funding from the National Institute of Mental Health and other large funding agencies.

The 17 grants awarded this year address the six key suicide research areas: Neurobiological, Psychosocial, Genetic, Treatment, Community or Loss Survivors:

1. Title: "Clinical Profiles and Treatment Utilization Patterns Associated with Suicide among Youth in Medicaid" Amount: $100,000Researcher:Cynthia Fontanella, Ph.D. Location: The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OHQuestion: What can we learn about suicide among youth from their health care just prior to their suicide? Potential impact: Better follow-up care for youth at risk for suicide.

3.Title: "Youth Who Text a Crisis Line: Understanding Needs and Help Seeking" Amount: $100,000Researcher:Anthony Pisani, Ph.D. Location: University of Rochester, Rochester, NYQuestion: How can we best help youth who text when in crisis? Potentialimpact: Improved crisis text counseling services for youth at risk for suicide.

5. Title: "The Relationship Between Decision-Making In a Negative Environment and Suicidal Behaviors" Amount: $104,000Researcher:Alexander Millner, Ph.D. Location: Harvard University, Boston, MA Question: How do the ways people make decisions relate to suicidal behavior? Potential impact: Understanding the role of decision-making in suicidal behavior.

6.Title: "ABFT for LGBTQ Suicidal Youth: Feasibility, Acceptability and Transportability" Amount: $104,000Researcher:Jody Russon, Ph.D. Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PAQuestion: Can Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT) be further modified for LGBT youth in a community mental health setting? Potential impact: A portable, feasible intervention for suicidal LGBT youth and their families.

11.Title: "Developmentally-Specific Risks for Suicidal Ideation and Self-harm In Early and Middle Childhood" Amount: $30,000Researcher: Elise Paul, MA Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NYQuestion: Are there early warning signs of risk for suicidal behavior? Potential impact: Identification of early age-specific risks of suicidal ideation and self-harm.

12.Title: "National Survey on Prevalence, Burden, and Support Seeking Behaviors of Survivors of Suicide Loss" Amount: $30,000Researcher:John Richardson, MPH Location: University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MIQuestion: What is the frequency and impact of suicide on loss? Potential impact: National estimates of the prevalence and impact of suicide loss.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, and with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.